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Did Chicago Lose Olympic Bid Due To US Passport Control?
An anonymous reader writes "Yesterday, Chicago lost its bid for the 2016 Olympics (which went to Rio de Janeiro instead), and it's looking very likely that US border procedures were one of the main factors which knocked Chicago out of the race: 'Among the toughest questions posed to the Chicago bid team this week in Copenhagen was one that raised the issue of what kind of welcome foreigners would get from airport officials when they arrived in this country to attend the Games. Syed Shahid Ali, an I.O.C. member from Pakistan, in the question-and-answer session following Chicago's official presentation, pointed out that entering the United States can be "a rather harrowing experience." ... The exchange underscores what tourism officials here have been saying for years about the sometimes rigorous entry process for foreigners, which they see as a deterrent to tourism.'"
US Visa process is most humiliating experience I had in my life. Am an Indian and tried to get visiting visa for a week
from India.
American citizen should see this process, they will not tolerate it from any other country.
I've traveled to few other countries.
No, Chicago lost the bid because Chicago is a horrible, horrible place.
You think the US immigration process is more of a hassle than China's? Hell, they made it MORE difficult to get a tourist visa after getting the Olympic nod.
I think the immigration process had little to do with the decision.
There are people out of control in Chicago right now and I have to say I can't blame the IOC for not wanting to go there.
As compared to Rio, where there are over 8000 murders per year? Think a bit.
Along with the traffic issues and overwhelming government corruption
Ok, that's true. The IOC is so corrupt they don't want any competition from the locals.